“My child has a fever today; can they still get their vaccines?" The answer depends on what`s causing the fever and how your child is feeling.

In general, children with mild illnesses, such as a runny nose, mild cough, or low-grade fever, can often still safely receive vaccines.

However, if your child has a high fever, appears uncomfortable, or is experiencing a more significant illness, your provider may recommend postponing vaccines until they are feeling better. This isn`t because the vaccines are unsafe, but because it can be harder to distinguish vaccine side effects from symptoms of the illness, and the child may simply feel better waiting until they recover.

The good news is that most minor illnesses do not prevent children from staying on schedule with their immunizations.

Not sure if your child`s symptoms are severe enough to reschedule? Give our office a call before your appointment!

415-461-0440
tamalpaispediatrics.com

Many children go through phases of picky eating, but some school-age children have an extremely limited diet and seem to eat the same few foods day after day.

Continue offering a variety of foods alongside familiar favorites and try to keep mealtimes positive and low-pressure. It can take 10–15 or more exposures before a child is willing to try a new food. Involving children in grocery shopping, meal planning, and food preparation can also increase interest in new foods.

However, if your child`s food choices are becoming increasingly limited, causing nutritional concerns, affecting growth, or leading to significant stress around meals, it may be more than typical picky eating. Some children may benefit from further evaluation for feeding difficulties, sensory concerns, anxiety, or conditions such as ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

Have questions about your school-age child’s nutrition, growth, or mealtime struggles, call our office.

415-461-0440
tamalpaispediatrics.com

Bringing home a new baby is exciting, and family and friends are often eager to visit.

While those visits can be special, it`s important to remember that newborns have immature immune systems and are more vulnerable to infections during the first few months of life.

It`s okay to set boundaries that help keep your baby healthy. Consider asking visitors to wash their hands before holding the baby, postpone visits if they`re feeling sick, avoid kissing the baby`s face or hands, and stay up to date on recommended vaccines such as Tdap and flu. Limiting large gatherings during the newborn period may also help reduce exposure to illness.

Remember, setting boundaries isn`t rude, it`s part of protecting your baby.

415-461-0440
tamalpaispediatrics.com